Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is an advanced type of concrete that can flow under its own mass without vibration, pass through intricate geometrical configurations, and resist segregation. SCC constituent materials and mixture proportions must be properly selected to achieve these flow properties. The effects of any changes in materials or mixture proportions on hardened concrete performance must be considered in evaluating SCC. A research project was conducted to investigate the role of aggregates in SCC. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of aggregate characteristics and mixture proportions on the workability and hardened properties of SCC, to identify favorable aggregate characteristics for SCC, and to develop guidelines for proportioning SCC with any set of aggregates. The research indicated that although SCC can be proportioned with a wide range of aggregates, the selection of favorable aggregates can significantly enhance the economy and performance of SCC. The effects of aggregate grading; maximum size; shape, angularity, and texture; apparent clay content; and packing density were evaluated. The main effect of aggregates larger than approximately 75 [mu]m was found to be on the minimum required paste volume for achieving SCC workability. It was found that dust-of fracture microfines, defined as mineral material finer than approximately 75 [mu]m produced during the crushing of aggregates, could be an economical choice to comprise part of the paste volume. Based on the results of this research, a mixture proportioning procedure for SCC was developed. The procedure is based on a consistent, rheology-based framework and was designed and written to be accessible and comprehensible for routine use. In the procedure, SCC is represented as a suspension of aggregates in paste. Aggregates are selected on the basis of grading, maximum size, and shape and angularity. The paste volume is set based on the aggregate characteristics in order to achieve workability requirements. The paste composition is established to achieve workability and hardened property requirements.

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